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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, announces that a "Local First" policy is coming that will require investors to partner with communities. He was speaking on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at an event celebrating the completion of the first phase of Vista Montego Bay Resort and the groundbreaking for phase two. The $100 million luxury mixed resort-style residential development is situated on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.

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"Local First" Policy to Guide Jamaica's Tourism Investments – Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Thursday, August 14, 2025: As Jamaica’s pivot toward the luxury tourism market gains momentum, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is reinforcing his strong commitment to a policy that ensures local communities directly benefit from these new developments. He expressed delight that the government has been attracting premium investments, with groundbreaking ceremonies for over US$3.5 billion in tourism developments in the last three months alone. While not disclosing specifics, he mentioned he had just finalized discussions on two more "mega billion-dollar investments."

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Bartlett Eyes Bold Path Towards Affordable Housing & Economic Inclusion

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, June 30, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism has taken another bold step toward securing the future of Jamaica’s tourism workers with the official onboarding of NCB Insurance Agency and Fund Managers Limited (NCBIA) as one of the investment managers of the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS). The move, announced during a contract signing ceremony held earlier today (June 30), signals a stronger push by the government to align economic security with broader social development goals, including affordable housing for tourism workers.

Thousands Benefit from Tourism Innovation & Human Capital Development Initiatives

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, June 26, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism is recording unprecedented success in youth engagement, innovation, and skills training as it accelerates efforts to make tourism a dynamic engine of opportunity for all Jamaicans. This was underscored by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament recently. Minister Bartlett, outlined a series of groundbreaking accomplishments under the theme “Thrive in 2025: Linking Tourism to Every Jamaican’s Success.”

Success of ALEX Platform Proves That Tourism is Driving Agricultural Growth

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, June 23, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and proudly Jamaican tourism industry—one that links every citizen to national prosperity. In his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation delivered in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 17, Minister Bartlett highlighted the remarkable strides made by the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), especially in driving agricultural growth through the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform.

Jamaica Expands Global Reach as Tourism Market Diversification Bears Fruit

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, June 20, 2025: Despite global headwinds in 2024, Jamaica’s tourism industry remained stable and registered continued success in penetrating emerging markets, according to Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who delivered his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament on Tuesday, June 17. The address, themed “Thrive in 2025: Linking Tourism to Every Jamaican’s Success,” emphasized an expansion in focus from visitor numbers and hotel developments to a broader vision of tourism as a driver of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable national economic growth.

Cruise Tourism Surge to Boost Agriculture and Manufacturing Sectors

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, June 19, 2025: With cruise passengers accounting for a significant number of tourists to the island, the Ministry of Tourism is targeting an increase in this sub-sector of the travel industry.

Development of Public Beaches, Workers Housing High on Tourism Agenda

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, June 19, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has underscored his commitment to ensuring increased access for Jamaicans to beaches and that “every parish must have at least one world-class public beach that serves both residents and visitors.”

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